Parque das Nações - what's it like?

Hi!
I've lived in the historial center (Alfama) in my 20's and I've been living in Parque das Nações (north side) for 11 years now.
I guess it depends on what you're looking for and on your lifestyle.
Downtown is much busier, noisier and hectic in my opinion. In my 30's I grew tired of it right by my door. 
Parque das Nações is a great, more recently built residential area, by the river side. However you have everything nearby (bars, restaurants, all kinds of services, supermarkets, and Vasco da Gama mall). Close to the airport but you don't get any noise, also close to the train station (Oriente).
You're 10/15 minutes by car from the historical center (if it's not rush hour) or 30 minutes by metro.
Honestly, in general, this is top quality of life in what comes to residential areas in Lisbon. Also one of the most expensive ones, but worth it in my opinion.
If you want any other specific info, let me know!
KR
Susana

Susana,

thanks for the info...this is very helpful.  Is there much of a difference between the north side versus the south side?

thx

Hi again,
Both sides are nice. The south side is has a nice sports port (Marina) with bars and restaurants, but you can still walk to the park on the north side. The whole area, sometimes still referred as (Expo, reminiscent of the 1998 international exhibit) is no more than 4/5 kms along the river side. You can walk and cycle, it's all flat and easy to move around.
Both sides have local cafés, restaurants, supermarkets and services. The metro station is in the middle, next to Vasco da Gama mall. On the north side the closest metro station is actually Moscavide and on the south side you also have Cabo Ruivo station. There plenty of bus lines also towards the center of Lisbon and serveral other Lisbon locations.
One thing I value nowadays is quality of construction vs old wood buildings (temperature and confort), easy parking and an elevator. And having the park nearby to take my kid biking or just out for a walk.
It's very pretty with all the trees and some architectural elements that refer you to sailing (the Oriente Station, the Myriad hotel, Vasco da Gama bridge, some apartment buildings also).

WR
Susana